No, those aren't supposed to be some new kind of 24-hour street lights along Stacy Boulevard.
Yes, city officials know they're on all the time.
The mayor's office and the Department of Public Works have fielded a few phone calls about what some residents fear is a waste of electricity — and taxpayer dollars.
The constant light along the Boulevard has apparently been caused by a broken relay — the part of the timer that turns the lights off when they are not needed — said Mark Cole, the city's operation chief with the Department of Public Works.
Cole said that about 18 lights from the Blynman Bridge to the Tavern On the Harbor function hall are affected by the broken relay.
"The option is to have them on all the time or off all the time," he said. The city has chosen to keep them on, where, among other things, they help illuminate the Fishermen's Memorial.
Cole said he had the city's electrical contractor come in and evaluate the situation when it became apparent the lights weren't turning off during the day. Once it was determined to be the relay, the Department of Public Works asked the contractor to order a new one.
"Apparently they dropped the ball on the ordering," Cole said yesterday. "I spoke with the contractor today and the relay should be in by the end of the week."
It is unknown how much money the city has lost for having the extra light shining on the Boulevard during daylight hours.
"I really can't get a good estimate on the cost until we get the bill and can compare it to last year's," said Cole.
Jonathan Phelps can be reached at 978-283-7000, x3447, or via e-mail at gt_reporter@gloucestertimes.com
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